The Polite Perspective

I suppose it's the etiquette trainer in me, but when I'm out and about, I'm people watching. I notice how people interact with one another, what their posture and body language communicate, how much personal space they give, and how or if they acknowledge the people around them. I notice the server who greets every table with a smile, the shopper who returns someone else's cart, and the stranger who holds the door for one more person than he has to. Those moments might not st

One of my favorite parts of teaching business dining etiquette is the questions. I recently had the opportunity to teach a group of dental students preparing for job interviews, networking events, and the business meals that come with moving from student to professional. We covered everything from place settings to tipping, but as always, the questions made the class. My biggest piece of advice is to treat every meal as an opportunity to connect. Knowing a few etiquette basi

Good first impressions are usually a lot less about having the perfect elevator pitch and more about having genuine curiosity and the ability to listen. The little things people notice right away are often surprisingly simple, and thankfully, most of them can be practiced. So before your next networking event, wedding reception, or company retreat, take a little time to think about how you manage these small but important habits. A woman shaking hands at a networking event. C

Money conversations make lots of us nervous. We will talk about our relationships, our careers, and even our health before we willingly open up about our bank accounts. But in the real world, these conversations are bound to come up. That is why it is important to have a plan before the bill arrives, your next group trip begins, or you chat with that nosy neighbor. Here are five common situations and some graceful ways to navigate them with your manners and boundaries intact.

As a fan of George Costanza, I am all for leaving on a high note. But if you find yourself trying to dip out of conversations after a few moments, this month I am challenging you to stay focused, take your time, and create a deeper connection. A few simple changes can help. Paying attention, showing curiosity, and staying engaged a little longer can turn small talk into a friendship, a business deal, or any number of opportunities. Here are five sure-fire ways to keep the con

Most of us spend a large part of our lives at work, yet we often treat relationships there as secondary to performance. But countless studies show that our emotional ties to others shape our health and happiness. If that is true, then the way we interact at work deserves more attention than it gets. Prosocial behavior is the term researchers use to describe voluntary actions intended to benefit others. Traditionally, it includes things like helping, sharing, cooperating, and

We have all been on both sides of a nosy question. Sometimes one slips out of our mouths without much thought. Other times, we are the ones being asked something that feels a little too personal. If you are a people pleaser, you might answer out of habit, even when the question makes you uncomfortable. Learning how to respond to nosy questions without sounding rude takes practice, especially when you have spent years feeling responsible for others' feelings. For me, this has

Email is still the business standard, even if your team uses Slack or another internal messaging system all day long. Because it carries a bit more formality, small habits can shape your work reputation. These email etiquette habits help build trust without adding extra work to your day. Keep subject lines clear. Skip spammy language and overly cute attention grabbers. A straightforward and concise subject line helps your email land the right way. Send emails only to the peo

Gift giving is personal. Once someone is an adult, it becomes less about checking off a wishlist and more about paying attention. When you know someone well enough to pick something they will actually enjoy, that is the real art gift giving. And while I try to stay humble, I am pretty darn good at it. A quick etiquette note. Asking someone for a list can feel a little like saying, “I have not taken the time to notice what you might like.” If you are the selective one and know

Recently, I spent a week in Burlington, Vermont, training with my friends at The Emily Post Institute. As a group of etiquette coaches, we spent hours talking about dining etiquette, and honestly, we could have gone on for days. We were there to learn and to hone our skills to teach others, so in that same spirit, I'm here to help you as you sit down for holiday dinners and throughout the year. When you feel confident at the table, you can stop overthinking every move and act

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Hello and Happy New Year, friends! As we welcome a fresh start, it's the perfect time to revisit some essential business etiquette habits...